DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present invention relates to an Internet-of-Things (IoT)- based management of resources. Specifically, it relates to an IoT-based system and a method for pump management.

BACKGROUND
[002] Water is one of the precious natural resources and hence it becomes crucial to utilize it judiciously. Along with the domestic use of water, there is a high demand for agricultural as well as industrial use. Normally water is stored in reservoirs that can be in the form of tanks and as per the demand, it can be put to use by pumping. Monitoring the water level in the reservoirs is an important aspect of such water distribution and pumping systems. Continuous monitoring and maintenance of a sufficient water level not only avoids dry running of the pumps but also prevents spilling over of the reservoirs and subsequent water wastage.
[003] A variety of systems using different types of water level sensors are disclosed in the prior art. The level sensors incorporated in such systems sense and transmit the water level data electronically to the controller, which is configured with an operational logic for switching the associated pumps. However, these systems do not provide the user with real-time visibility of the water level in the reservoirs. Moreover, in the case of multiple reservoirs and multiple pumps, wired sensors cause complex wiring. Another drawback of such systems is that the switching logic for the pumps is fixed and the user cannot change the ON/OFF logic.
[004] Accordingly, there exists a need for a system and a method that can measure and transmit the water level data wirelessly, thus avoiding complex wiring. Moreover, it is important to operate the pumps as per the water level in the reservoirs to give the user the flexibility to change the pumps' operational logic, achieve better management of pumps, and minimize water wastage.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[005] An object of the present invention is to provide an IoT-based system for pump management.
[006] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an IoT-based system using level sensors that communicate wirelessly.
[007] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system that simplifies pump management eliminating the need for complex wiring.
[008] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide a system that enables the user to manage pump-switching operations flexibly.
[009] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide a system that presents the real-time status of the liquid level in the reservoirs via a user interface.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an IoT-based method for pump management.

SUMMARY
[0011] This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0012] An exemplary implementation of the present disclosure provides an Internet-of-Things (IoT) system for dynamic pump management (100). The system comprises a plurality of reservoirs (101) for storing fluids, each equipped with a plurality of sensors (102) for sensing fluid levels. The one or more sensors (102) are communicatively coupled to a first gateway (103-a) for wirelessly transmitting sensed data in real time. The system further includes a cloud platform (104) connected to the first gateway (103-a), which handles device management, security, data storage, and data visualization and analytics. A smartphone application (105) linked to the cloud platform (104) receives data and presents it to a user through a user interface (106), displaying real-time fluid levels and generating alerts for abnormal conditions. Additionally, a controller (107) is operatively coupled to the cloud platform (104) via a plurality of second gateways (103-b), configured to selectively switch pumps (108) on or off based on sensed level values and operational instructions stored in the controller (107) and on the cloud platform (104). The smartphone application (105) allows users to remotely set pump-switching logic, overriding existing schedules based on reservoir levels (101) and time of day.
[0013] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the sensors (102) are configured to transmit fluid-level data wirelessly to the first gateway (103-a) at predetermined intervals. This configuration ensures that the data is consistently updated and available for processing, contributing to the real-time monitoring capability of the system (100).
[0014] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the cloud platform (104) is configured to process the received data and communicate it to the smartphone application (105) for display on the user interface (106). This processing includes data visualization and analytics, providing users with actionable insights and a comprehensive view of the fluid levels in the reservoirs (101).
[0015] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone application (105) is configured to generate alerts for abnormal conditions such as low tank levels or overflow. This feature ensures that users are promptly informed of any issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing potential damage or inefficiencies.
[0016] In an aspect of the present invention, the controller (107) is similar to a programmable logic controller and is configured to execute pump-switching commands based on operational instructions received from the cloud platform (104). This configuration allows for precise control over pump (108) operations, optimizing fluid transfer processes based on real-time data and user-defined logic.
[0017] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the pump-switching logic set by the user through the smartphone application (105) can be independent of the sensed data. This flexibility allows users to customize pump (108) operations based on specific requirements or preferences, enhancing the adaptability of the system (100) to various operational scenarios.
[0018] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system (100) further comprises a method for dynamic pump management, involving sensing fluid level data in the reservoirs (101) using the plurality of sensors (102), transmitting the sensed data wirelessly to the first gateways (103-a), and communicating the received data from the first gateways (103-a) to the cloud platform (104). The cloud platform (104) processes the data and communicates it to the smartphone application (105) for display on the user interface (106). The processed data is then sent from the cloud platform (104) to the second gateways (103-b), which communicate the data to the controllers (107) for operating the pumps (108) based on the received information. This method ensures efficient and flexible pump (108) management, leveraging IoT technology for real-time monitoring and control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identify the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to features and components.
[0020] Figure 1 illustrates the detailed block diagram of an IoT-based system (100) for pump management in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0021] Figure 2 represents a flow diagram of the IoT-based method (200) for pump management in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The embodiments herein provide an IoT-based system (hereinafter referred to as “system”) and a method configured for pump management. The system utilizes a plurality of sensors, a plurality of pumps, a plurality of first gateways, a plurality of second gateways, a controller, a cloud platform, a smartphone application, and a user interface (hereinafter referred to as “modules” or “modules of the system”).
[0023] Some embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0024] References in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0025] Parts of the description may be presented in terms of operations performed by at least one processor, electrical/electronic circuit, a computer system, using terms such as data, state, link, fault, packet, and the like, consistent with the manner commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. As is well understood by those skilled in the art, these quantities take the form of data stored/transferred in the form of non-transitory, computer-readable electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, and otherwise manipulated through mechanical and electrical components of the computer system; and the term computer system includes general purpose as well as special purpose data processing machines, switches, and the like, that are standalone, adjunct or embedded. For instance, some embodiments may be implemented by a processing system that executes program instructions to cause the processing system to perform operations involved in one or more of the methods described herein. The program instructions may be computer-readable code, such as compiled or non-compiled program logic and/or machine code, stored in a data storage that takes the form of a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic, optical, and/or flash data storage medium. Moreover, such processing systems and/or data storage may be implemented using a single computer system or may be distributed across multiple computer systems (e.g., servers) that are communicatively linked through a network to allow the computer systems to operate in a coordinated manner.
[0026] In an embodiment, the system can be configured to sense one or more fluid parameters in real time and wirelessly transmit the same to a cloud platform to control the operation of one or more resources.
[0027] The present invention envisages an IoT-based system (100) for pump(s) management. In an exemplary embodiment, the pumps can be used to transport the fluids stored in reservoirs. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the reservoirs can be underground or overhead or ground-mounted tanks of finite capacity. The system is configured to manage a plurality of pumps by implementing a plurality of sensors that are communicatively coupled to the plurality of gateways.
[0028] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the system uses a plurality of sensors, capable of sensing one or more fluid parameters, which are located in the vicinity of each reservoir.
[0029] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the system is configured such that, one or more modules of the system periodically transmit and/or communicate data corresponding to the fluid parameter(s) (hereinafter referred to as “data”) in each reservoir in a wireless manner in real-time.
[0030] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the system is configured such that, one or more modules of the system are communicatively coupled to each other.
[0031] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the system is configured to receive inputs from the user as well as present to the user, the real-time status of one or more fluid parameters stored in the plurality of the reservoirs.
[0032] This present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in brackets in the following description below:
[0033] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclose an operation of the system (100) is explained by referring to Figure 1. The system (100) comprises a plurality of reservoirs (101) for storing fluids, that may include liquids and gases. Each sensor (102), capable of sensing fluid level is attached to, inserted into, or mounted on each reservoir. The sensors can be of capacitive, ultrasonic, resistive, radar based or pressure type. Each sensor (102), is communicatively coupled to each first gateway (103-a), and periodically transmits the data wirelessly in real time. Wireless communication can be achieved via ZigBee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or GSM based. The plurality of first gateways are communicatively coupled to the cloud platform (104). The cloud platform consists of device management, security, data storage and data visualization and analytics. The cloud platform (104) is communicatively coupled to a smartphone application (105) and transmits the data received from the plurality of first gateways (103-a) to the application (105). The user interface (106) of the application (105) is designed to present a real-time status of the fluid level in the plurality of reservoirs to the user. The status can be presented in the form of numeric values including absolute values and/or percentages, charts, or graphs. The system (100) is configured to generate alerts or alarms when encountered with abnormal conditions such as low tank level or water overflow.
[0034] In an implementation of one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the cloud platform (104) is operatively coupled to the controller (107) via the plurality of second gateways (103-b). The controller is like a programmable logic controller. The controller (107) is configured to selectively switch ON/OFF the plurality of pumps (108) depending on the sensed level values and operational instructions which are stored in the controller as well as on the cloud platform.
[0035] In an implementation of one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the application (105) facilitates the user to remotely set a pump-switching logic through a mobile and web-based application which will override the existing pump schedule considering the parameters such as the level in each reservoir, and time of the day. The pump-switching logic can be independent of the sensed data.
[0036] In an implementation of one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the IoT-based method for pump management (200) is explained by referring to Figure 2. The method starts at step 201 and proceeds with steps 202, 203, 204, 205, and 206. At step 201, the plurality of sensors sense fluid level data of the stored fluid in a plurality of reservoirs. At step 202, the plurality of sensors transmits the data wirelessly, to the plurality of first gateways. At step 203, the plurality of first gateways communicates the received data to a cloud platform. At step 204 the cloud platform communicates the data, to a smartphone application for further processing and displaying on the user interface. At step 205, the cloud platform communicates the data to the plurality of second gateways. At step 206, the plurality of second gateways communicates the data to the plurality of controllers for operating the plurality of pumps.
[0037] Now referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the system 100 features an advanced network of components designed for the effective management of fluid dynamics and pump operations. Central to this system is a series of reservoirs (101) that serve as fluid storage units. Each reservoir is fitted with sensors (102) capable of accurately monitoring fluid levels. These sensors employ various technologies, including capacitive, ultrasonic, resistive, radar, and pressure sensing methods, allowing for adaptability to different reservoir configurations and environmental contexts. Strategically placed, these sensors ensure precise fluid level measurements in a range of settings, from underground and overhead tanks to ground-mounted structures.
[0038] During the initial operational phase, step 201 involves the sensors measuring fluid levels in the reservoirs and collecting reliable data for processing. This data is then wirelessly transmitted to the first gateways (103-a) in step 202. The gateways are equipped to handle multiple communication protocols, such as ZigBee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GSM, ensuring smooth data transfer to a cloud platform (104). The specific choice of communication technology can be customized to meet the particular demands of the installation environment, including considerations for range and data rate.
[0039] In step 203, the first gateways transmit the fluid level data to the cloud platform, which plays a central role in device management, data storage, and advanced analytical processing. The platform processes the incoming data to produce actionable insights and visual representations. It securely retains operational data and leverages these insights to enhance pump management. Additionally, the processed information is relayed to a smartphone application (105) in step 204, offering users a real-time overview of fluid levels via an intuitive interface (106). This interface presents data in various formats, including numeric values, charts, and graphs, and issues alerts for situations such as low tank levels or overflows to ensure prompt response.
[0040] The cloud platform's functionalities extend beyond simple data visualization. In step 205, it sends operational directives to second gateways (103-b), which interact with controllers (107). These controllers carry out pump-switching commands based on the processed data and user-defined parameters, promoting effective pump operation and efficient resource use. Users can remotely modify pump-switching logic through the smartphone application, allowing for dynamic adjustments in response to reservoir levels, time, or specific operational needs.
[0041] In one potential configuration of the system, the controllers (107) are programmed to manage pumps (108) according to established schedules and real-time data. This capability allows pumps to respond swiftly to varying conditions, helping to maintain optimal fluid levels in the reservoirs. Furthermore, the system is designed to notify users of abnormal conditions, such as significantly low water levels or possible overflows, thereby facilitating proactive maintenance and preventing issues.
[0042] The modular and scalable nature of the system supports the seamless addition of extra sensors and pumps, accommodating the requirements of larger installations. This adaptability renders the solution suitable for diverse applications, ranging from small residential setups to large industrial systems. By integrating advanced sensing technologies, wireless communication, cloud-based analytics, and user-friendly control mechanisms, the system provides a comprehensive solution for the dynamic management of fluids and pump operations.
[0043] Advantages of the invention:
• The system uses wireless transmission of data, thus eliminating the complex wiring.
• The system provides real-time status of the liquid level in multiple reservoirs to the user on an interface.
• The user can set a logic for pump operation by using the interface.
[0044] The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention described in the present embodiment. Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein; however, it is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or matter. The embodiments of the invention as described above and the methods disclosed herein will suggest further modification and alterations to those skilled in the art. Such further modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
,CLAIMS:I/We claim:

1. An Internet-of-Things (IoT) system for dynamic pump management, comprising:
a plurality of reservoirs (101) for storing fluids, each reservoir equipped with a plurality of sensors (102) for sensing fluid levels, the sensors being of capacitive, ultrasonic, resistive, radar-based, or pressure type;
a first gateway (103-a) communicatively coupled to the sensors (102) for wirelessly transmitting sensed data in real-time using technologies such as ZigBee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or GSM;
a cloud platform (104) connected to the first gateway (103-a) for handling device management, security, data storage, and data visualization and analytics;
a smartphone application (105) linked to the cloud platform (104) for receiving data and presenting it to a user through a user interface (106), the interface displaying real-time fluid levels and generating alerts for abnormal conditions; and
a controller (107) operatively coupled to the cloud platform (104) via a plurality of second gateways (103-b), the controller configured to selectively switch pumps (108) on or off based on sensed level values and operational instructions stored in the controller and on the cloud platform;
wherein, the smartphone application (105) allows users to remotely set pump-switching logic, overriding existing schedules based on reservoir levels and time of day.

2. The IoT system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensors (102) are configured to transmit fluid level data wirelessly to the first gateway (103-a) at predetermined intervals.
3. The IoT system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cloud platform (104) is configured to process the received data and communicate it to the smartphone application (105) for display on the user interface (106).
4. The IoT system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the smartphone application (105) is configured to generate alerts for abnormal conditions such as low tank levels or overflow.
5. The IoT system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (107) is similar to a programmable logic controller and is configured to execute pump-switching commands based on operational instructions received from the cloud platform (104).
6. The IoT system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pump-switching logic set by the user through the smartphone application (105) can be independent of the sensed data.
7. A method for dynamic pump management, comprising:
sensing fluid level data in the reservoirs using the plurality of sensors (102);
transmitting the sensed data wirelessly to the first gateways (103-a);
communicating the received data from the first gateways (103-a) to the cloud platform (104);
processing the data on the cloud platform (104) and communicating it to the smartphone application (105) for display on the user interface (106);
sending the processed data from the cloud platform (104) to the second gateways (103-b); and
communicating the data from the second gateways (103-b) to the controllers (107) for operating the pumps (108) based on the received information.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising generating alerts for conditions such as low reservoir levels or overflow based on sensor data.
Dated this on 20th Day of January, 2025

Prafulla Wange
Agent for Applicant
IN/PA-2058